Since they practice at dinnertime EVERY NIGHT, we thought we’d contribute something healthy-ish rather than the typical cookies or whatever other junk food passes for dinner in this crowd. (Not that I judge.)

My husband came back from the ball-field almost two hours after he left (which was timed with the supposed end of practice, by the way).

He seemed deflated.

I asked him how it went.

“They swarmed me when it was snack-time, and then the saw the muffins and watermelon and complained, “awww… watermelon!?! muffins!?!”

They only ate six of the muffins. Three of them were actually consumed by my older step-son who’s not even on the team. He has experience with my baking 🙂

My husband was so disappointed. If I had been there, I would have felt really hurt. It feels awful to put a lot of time and energy and thought into cooking for people and having them reject it. Complain about it. Certainly, I’m not the first parent to feel this way!

But instead of feeling irritated with the kids, I’m trying to stay compassionate, to think about the bigger picture. These kids are so used to food that comes in packages with a logo. It is constantly marketed to them. It is constantly being given to them by their teachers, coaches, and parents.

Now I will be the first to defend parents who are busy working and taking their kids to activities. It’s really hard to find time to cook. Everybody is crunched. When practice is scheduled for the three hours in the evening that families traditionally make and eat dinner, it’s hard for kids–or their parents–to eat well.

But these are athletes. They need protein, vitamins, minerals… and preferably not just the ones sprayed on their breakfast cereal.

I believe we are doing kids a disservice as a community when we allow over-scheduling to interfere with meals and give them processed, packaged snacks instead.

Why, when I was a kid, we were perfectly happy–grateful–for water and quartered oranges.

Parents, we have to do better. We can. But it will only work if we all try.

Deflated is putting it lightly! After my experiences with the oranges I was really bummed out. It ruined the whole rest of my day! And I didn’t even put any effort into the oranges like you did with the muffins!

I agree with you completely. I think watermelon and homemade muffins are awesome! Especially for kids. Definitely deflating but we mustn’t give up. Those photos made my mouth water and I’m delighted you included the link. I am going to give them a go! And let’s keep singing the praises of food that ‘remembers where it came from’ and doesn’t come with a logo. Cheers, Gina

Yep, you’re right about the whole thing. I’ve seen it happen a lot. People are completely unwilling to even try something new, especially under the suspicion it might be healthy. More than likely the kids who didn’t try probably have parents that wouldn’t have either.